Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose machinery that could be used both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These models can be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 can be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The operator of the forklift stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models can raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad climate and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.